The CSIRO has combined a broad range of data sources to build an interactive data visualisation resource to facilitate better management of Australia’s ongoing drought crisis. 

As much of Australia struggles on in the grip of a dry spell well longer than average, CSIRO team has been working with the Joint Agency Drought Taskforce to collate data for the National Drought Map, built of their Terria platform.

The tool combines over 70 data layers in 14 categories, including weather condition data, government drought support, satellite imagery, health services and facilities, demographic data and agricultural industries.

Rainfall patterns, soil moisture, government assistance available, estimated resident population, numbers of farm businesses, agricultural types and employment by industries can all be combined on the map.

It is intended that the tool be used to help coordinate assistance more effectively, using data to illustrate what is happening in a local area and to identify accessible services in that region.

The National Drought Map is free to access.

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